The Judith Mary, Canal Basin, Whaley Bridge

*** A RARE AND UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY *** We are privileged to offer the LOCAL TOWN'S ICONIC "JUDITH MARY ll CANAL BOAT" which has been operating as a successful LICENSED leisure cruise/restaurant/cream teas business since 1988. The Boat is 72ft in length and has seating for up to 40 PASSENGERS, a BAR AREA, KITCHEN/PREP AREA and two WCs. The Judith Mary ll runs all YEAR ROUND in the PICTURESQUE Peak Forest Canal and has CENTRAL HEATING.

The Judith Mary ll has been successfully operating since 1988 running leisure trips along the Peak Forest Canal for a variety of occasions including coach trips, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, hen/weddings, baby showers and just daily trips for the general public to enjoy. The boat had a special Royal guest on board, "Princess Diana" in 1990. The 72ft boat comes with many benefits including central heating to allow the boat to continue its trips throughout the autumn and winter seasons, battery electric, inverter, propane gas cookers in the kitchen galley, two separate WCs, bar area and seating for 40. The "Judith Mary ll" offers so much flexibility including floating bar, evening trips, corporate events and cafe. The boat does have an alcohol licence (there would have to be a name change) and it's moorings is within the canal basin for which there is a five year remaining Lease with Canal and River Trust before requiring renewal although a name change would be required. The boat has the use of the water point and pump out building. The location of the boat is a popular tourist area within the beautiful Peak District with endless dramatic scenery. There is an already busy calendar booked for the remaining months of the year (2023) including Christmas trips and multiple trips booked for 2024. There is an extensive data base of repeat customers majority being coach companies which the current owner is happy to pass on the information. The boat will be sold with all fixtures, fittings and utensils.

Vendors Comments:
Built in 1988 by Chappell and Wright boat builders in Whaley Bridge to operate along the Upper Peak Forest Canal starting in Whaley Bridge.
At 71.5 feet long, 6 feet 10 inches wide and with a 2 foot 6 draft we were specifically built to sail on this canal, at its narrowest it is only 7 feet wide.
The hull is ¾ and the cabin ½ and weighs 20 tons.
She runs off a Perkins diesel engine D3.152, 3 cylinders, 91.4mm diameter, stroke length 127mm which has recently, November 2023 had the head and head gasket replaced along with new injectors.
In 2017 a new prop shaft and bearing fitted and the propellor straightened, the tiller bearing replaced and aligned with the rudder.
We have replaced much of the interior wood over the last few years and regularly painted both inside and out. We have a record of work done to the boat from 2006 to present.
Engine is fully serviced twice yearly.
With 4 leisure batteries to power the cabin lights, water pump, boiler and gas and an invertor fitted in September 2022 to power the hoover etc.
An Alde boiler and 6 radiators, serviced annually along with 5 fire extinguishers also serviced annually.


Vendors Comments:
In December 2022 the boat was completely re-plumbed with all the old water pipes being replaced with UPVC pipes and a new water pump fitted in 2023.
Moorings are at this time through a 10 year lease which expires in February 2028 but we have had these moorings since 1984 with Canal and River Trust.
The interior comprises of a galley, 2 gas cookers, sink and drainer and storage for cutlery and crockery (all included in sale).
2 toilets and hand basins with a very large soil tank, refitted in 2015. There is a pump out building in the basin and we have a pump out machine which enable us to pump out the toilets.
A large bespoke bar, shelving and storage.
The cabin comprises of 13 tables which seat up to 40 passengers, the floor is carpeted and the seats are upholstered. There are 3 emergency exits in the cabin.
We have regular surveys carried out by the Maritime Coastguard Authority, alternating each year with an in water and an out of water survey, carried out at Kerridge, there is an additional mid term survey carried out annually, all paperwork available.
We have run this business since 1984 doing 2 hour cruises with up to 40 passengers and a meal.



Vendors Comments:
As of April 2024 we already have 150 trips booked, there will more than likely be at least another 80 plus bookings taken for this year (in 2023 we had 50 trips booked through November and December alone) and with an extensive database of coach companies, we are lucky to get many repeat bookings year on year.
We are selling the business with all interior fittings, all the crockery, cutlery, glasses, pans etc included.
There are lots of different options open to new owners, from evening trips to opening as a café/bar in the basin, trading onboard.

We have had a fabulous 40 years running this unique business and are hoping new owners have the pleasure and success we have had over these many years.